It the 3R lifestyle re-use, recycle and reduce does not begin now, this picture may be a reality in the near future.

To stress the importance of the 3R lifestyle, the Housing and Local Government Ministry launched the National Recycling Campaign today at the Mid Valley Megamall here.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, said Malaysians needed to practise the 3R lifestyle religiously. They could begin by using recyclable paper bags or carrying a basket when they go marketing.

“Supermarkets and grocers can lend a helping hand by phasing out the use of plastic bags because it is not biodegradable like paper ones,” Ong said.

To reflect the Ministry’s seriousness in seeing the campaign succeed, great emphasis would be laid on educating people about the 3R lifestyle through the print and electronic media.

It would also embark on a nationwide roadshow and work closely with local authorities.

Ong said the roadshow is expected to last until June next year. After that the Ministry will evaluate the campaign and formulate the direction the 3R lifestyle would take.

Three major companies Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Newsprint Industries Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Sheet Glass Berhad have pledged their support in ensuring the campaign’s success.

They have made sure that it is easy and convenient for Malaysians to recycle their waste.

Three coloured dustbins have been designed orange for plastic and aluminium products, blue for paper and brown for glass. All one has to do its separate one’s waste accordingly and dispose of it in the right bins.

The Ministry ordered 30,000 of these dustbins and has distributed them to 30 local authorities in major towns and cities.

The collecting centers will be stationed strategically in supermarkets and shopping complexes, petrol stations and places where it is easy to park.

Ong said the local authorities will look into the possibility of placing the three dustbins in housing areas to make it easier for residents to recycle their waste.

Campaign posters will list the places where the recycling dustbins are stationed. The public can visit the website www.kitarsemula.com for more information.

Ong said most of the 230 landfills nationwide are expected to be filled in two years’ time while 184 landfills are almost saturated.

“There is no more land available in Kuala Lumpur for landfills and this is an urgent matter which needs to be addressed.

“It won’t be easy as garbage cannot be disposed pf indiscriminately. If we burn or incinerate the rubbish, non-governmental organizations will protest,” Ong said.

Every Malaysian produces an average of 0.8kg og waste a day, but in Kuala Lumpur it is 1.5kg of waste per person each day which amounts to 15,000 tonnes of solid waste daily.

Only five per cent of this figure is recycled.

Ong said not many people realize it, but Malaysia has to import more than 25,000 tonnes of waste paper every month from all over the world to manufacture needed paper products.

Public apathy and lack of awareness killed the first recycling campaign launched in 1993.